Page 68 of F*ckboys

Fallon: I want to talk.

His response comes surprisingly fast.

Aksel: Didn't expect to hear from you, Fallon. But sure, I'll be there.

Fallon: Good.

I reply curtly, ending the conversation. I refuse to let him know how much this means to me or how desperate I am for control.

As I step into the park, the sun filters through the trees, casting dappled shadows over the lush grass. The warm air carries the scent of blooming flowers—roses, jasmine, and lavender—blending together in a dizzying fragrance. Ahead, I see the duck pond shimmering beneath the sunlight, water rippling as the ducks paddle around playfully.

"Fallon," Aksel greets me warmly, already waiting for me in the spot we used to hang out in as teenagers. His expression is guarded, but I can sense his curiosity burning just below the surface.

"Hey," I say, trying to sound casual, as if I didn't just invite him here with ulterior motives. I spread out the luxurious picnic blanket, the checkered deep red-and-white fabric contrasting against the vibrant green grass. "I brought food."

"Looks like quite the feast," he comments, eyeing the wicker basket I've packed with an assortment of meats, cheeses, fruits, and cut vegetables. There's also pâté, dips, and champagne flutes, just to make it feel a little more extravagant. If I'm going to trick this man into trusting me, this whole outing needs to seem legit. An ambience full of potential for reconnection and,one day, maybe even love. And Aksel is definitely one of those men who you can get to through his stomach, a true foodie.

"Sit down and eat," I insist, my tone leaving no room for argument.

He complies, sitting down across from me. We begin eating, exchanging small talk as we nibble on the food. It feels almost like old times, and I can't help but feel my resolve falter just a bit as I look into his eyes.

"Fallon," Aksel says softly, breaking the silence as he scrutinizes a piece of cheese. "Smoked gouda with cumin—nice. Speaking of which, this is all very pleasant and all, but why did you invite me here?"

"Can't I just want to spend time with you?" I deflect, avoiding his gaze. But that's only half the truth, and we both know it. "It didn't feel right to keep you blocked any longer. Especially after the... other night." I feel my cheeks redden.

"Maybe," he replies cautiously, clearly not convinced. "But this feels... different."

"Maybe it is," I admit, my eyes meeting his for a moment before I quickly look away again. My heart races in my chest, the familiar pull towards him growing stronger. "I just needed to see you, Aksel."

"Needed?" His eyes narrow, suspicion lacing his voice. "Or wanted?"

"Both," I confess, my voice barely audible. I hate how vulnerable I sound, but it's the truth. Despite everything, I still crave him—and maybe I'm starting to regain a crush on him, too. "Maybe it's time to move things along, to stop stagnating like we have been."

"Fallon, you know things can't go back to the way they were," he warns, looking at me with concern, and perhaps a tinge of sadness for the opportunity lost.

"Who said I want them to?" I fire back, my eyes locking onto his. The air between us crackles with tension—and something more dangerous. Desire.

"Then what do you want?" he asks, his voice low and intense.

"Right now?" I say, allowing a slow, wicked smile to spread across my lips. "I want to finish our picnic, enjoy this beautiful day, and forget about everything else—for just a little while."

As we finish the last bites of our picnic, I can't help but feel a strange mix of satisfaction and anticipation. Aksel's presence is intoxicating, and every moment spent with him only adds to the growing whirlwind of emotions I'm trying to keep in check.

"Want to go for a walk?" I suggest, as I pack away the remains of our feast.

"Sure," he replies, his voice hesitant but curious. I can tell he's wary, unsure of what I have planned.

We stand, and without thinking, I reach out and take his hand. The warmth of his touch sends a shiver down my spine, and I fight to suppress a smile as we begin to walk through the park. The lush grass feels soft beneath my feet, and the vibrant colors of the flowers lining the path seem to reflect the intensity of the emotions swirling within me.

It's exhilarating—walking with Aksel like this, hand in hand, feeling the connection between us grow despite the darkness that threatens to consume me. But I need to remind myself that this isn't just about romance, it's about revenge and protecting my heart.

"Fallon," Aksel says softly, pulling me from my thoughts. "Why did you really invite me here today?"

"I told you before," I reply, trying to sound casual. "I wanted to spend time with you."

"Right," he murmurs, clearly unconvinced. "But there's more to it than that, isn't there?"

"Maybe," I admit, unable to meet his gaze. "But right now, let's just enjoy the walk."

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